Chapter V (1)

VENOMOUS BITES—are sometimes sustained by horses and dogs; and become the more perplexing, in consequence of not knowing from whence the injury proceeds. Vipers, slow-worms, efts, horse-stingers, hornets, and wasps, seem to be nearly the whole tribe from which bites (or stings) of this description are received. The effect of either is much the same, as to inflammation, pain, and tension; but that the symptoms are not equally severe, being gradational in their degrees of violence, according to the individual by which the wound is inflicted. Of these the viper is by much the worst; for the vesicle in which the poisonous particles are contained, being seated upon the gum close to the insertion of the tooth, in the very act of biting, the vesicle is broken, and the venomous fluid at the same moment communicated to the wound. This is followed by excruciating pain, increasing inflammation, and various violent symptoms, in either man or beast. By way of immediate relief, bleeding is first premised, to unload the vessels, and take off the increasing stricture from the part: this, followed by an early application of the _oil_ of _vipers_, is said to be infallible. Repeated experiments have proved the finest _olive oil_ to be equally efficacious. The others, however painful at first, soon submit to repeated bathings with the strongest white wine vinegar, or a weak solution of sugar of lead.

VENERY, BEASTS OF,—are little heard or spoken of, but in the code of FOREST LAWS originally framed for the preservation of _vert_ and _venison_. Beasts of venery (alias, beasts of forest) are the hart, hare, hind, boar, and wolf.

VERDERER—is a judicial officer of the King's Forest, elected (under his Majesty's writ) by a majority of votes in a convened county court of the shire in which the forest is; and there sworn before the sheriff, to keep and maintain the assizes and laws of the forest; and also to review, receive, and enrol, all the attachments and presentments of all manner of trespasses of the forest in respect to vert and venison.

The official department of a Verderer bears great similitude to that of a coroner, and in this particular respect; that as a coroner, upon the notice of a sudden or accidental death, (if attended with circumstances to render the inquisition necessary,) is to take a personal view of the body, and to make inquiry, upon the joint oaths of twelve men, how and by what means the person came by his or her death, and who and what was the occasion thereof; so it is the official duty of the Verderer to look after and view the beasts of the forest; for any of those being found hurt, wounded, or slain, upon notice given to the Verderer, he is to take a view of the same, and to cause a jury of twelve men to be summoned from the surrounding district, that an inquisition may be made to discover (if possible) how and by whom the said beast was hurt, wounded, or killed. The office of the Verderer at the Court of Attachments, is to sit there to see, hear and examine the attachments of the forest, both in vert and in venison, and to receive the same of the subordinate officers, or those who may attend to present them there, and then to enter them into their own rolls. See FOREST LAWS.

VERMIN—is a term of very extensive signification, including a long list of noxious animals, some of which contribute largely to the sports of the field. The principal vermin of this country consist of the fox, the badger, the martern, the pole-cat, the weasel, the stoat, the rat, and the mouse; of which a description of all the former will be found under their distinct heads.

VERT—is a term in the Forest Laws, meant to include every plant growing within a forest or its purlieus, bearing a _green leaf_, and of sufficient magnitude to hide or cover a deer beneath its branches; but it must be understood to signify such plants as are either trees, woods, bushes, or underwood; not descending to inferior shrubs, passing under the denomination of plants, but affording no cover. By _vert_ is therefore implied those trees of growth and size sufficient to be entitled conjunctively to the appellation of covert; as well underwood, as great woods; and overt-vert is all sorts of high trees, as nether-vert includes every kind of underwood.

VERTUMNUS—was a horse of some racing celebrity; and there is reason to believe he would have been held in equal estimation with his cotemporaries as a stallion, if he had enjoyed the run of _fashion_ in his favour. He was bred by the late COLONEL O'KELLY; foaled in 1775; got by _Eclipse_, dam by _Sweeper_, out of an old Tartar mare, the dam of _Mercury_ and _Volunteer_. _Vertumnus_ got many tolerable runners as country plate horses; but his merits as a stallion were never known, till a circumstance occurred at a period of life when it was generally considered too late to bring his powers experimentally into action. _Baronet_ was got by _Vertumnus_, dam by _Snap_, out of an own sister to _Nabob_. He was foaled in 1785; bred by Sir W. Vavasour, and by him sold to his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, who brought him forward from obscurity, at six years old, to start at Ascot Heath for the great Oatlands Stakes of 100 guineas each, _half forfeit_, two miles, forty-one subscribers, for which _nineteen_ started, (forming one of the richest and most striking spectacles ever seen upon the turf,) and was won by _Baronet_; beating _Express_, _Chanticleer_, _Escape_, _Coriander_, _Toby_, _Skylark_, _Precipitate_, _Minos_, _Pipator_, _Euphrosyne_, _Competitor_, _Microscope_, _Crazy_, _Turnip-Top_, _Buzzard_, _Lambinos_, and _Vermin_, who were concluded the best horses in the kingdom. The sums betted were immense, which were sported in the following proportions. Three to one against _Vermin_; seven to one against _Precipitate_; eight to one against _Buzzard_; nine to one against _Chanticleer_; twenty to one against _Baronet_; and one hundred to three against _Express_, who was second. _Vermin_, who was then the best three year old in the kingdom, and carried only five stone, three pounds, was universally expected to win easy; but the diminutive juvenile who rode him, was so hemmed in, and completely surrounded, by the rest _at starting_, that those horses keeping their strokes, and going well together, (or what is sportingly termed all _in a hustle_,) they never afforded him the least chance of extrication.

VETERINARY COLLEGE.—The Veterinary College is a national establishment for the general improvement of farriery, situate at Camden Town, in the parish of St. Pancras, at the northern extremity of the Metropolis; and derived its origin and institution from the following circumstance. In January, 1789, issued from the press, a Treatise upon Farriery, in an octavo volume, under the title of "The Gentleman's Stable Directory," by the present Writer; the popularity of which occasioned it to pass through _seven editions_ in the first twelve months, which number has since been exactly doubled. In the course of the work, it was repeatedly regretted, that, amidst the infinity of improvements for which the English were so remarkable, the system of farriery should still remain in its original state of barbarism. In a few months after which, advertisements appeared in the different prints, under sanction of the "ODIHAM AGRICULTURE SOCIETY," proposing a public subscription for sending a certain number of lads _annually_ to _France_ to study farriery, (now called the _veterinary science_.) The Author of the Stable Directory, who was then preparing his _second_ volume for the press, availed himself of the opportunity to congratulate the promoters of so laudable an undertaking; at the same time obliquely observing, he was concerned to see _France_ was to have the reputation of doing that for us, which we could not do for ourselves.

Whether it was from the force of this admonition, or the effect of chance, is not material; the scene within a period of two or three months was totally changed. With a grant from Parliament, aided by public contributions, and private subscriptions, the College was erected, and instituted in February; and their propositions, rules, and regulations, published April the 8th, 1791: the principal purport of which were as follows. The establishment to consist of a President, ten Vice-Presidents, twenty Directors, Treasurer, Professor, and Secretary. The Society and School to be called the VETERINARY COLLEGE, LONDON. The President, Vice-Presidents, ten of the Directors, and the Treasurer, to be chosen every year by ballot. The President, Vice-Presidents, and Directors, to form the Council, in which shall be lodged the whole executive power of the College; subject to the controul of the members (that is, the annual or perpetual subscribers) at large, at four quarterly meetings. The Council to meet the first Tuesday in every month; from which Council a Committee was to be elected, and called the Permanent Committee, who were to meet the remaining Tuesdays in each month: this Committee were to act with the authority of the Council, but subject to its controul.

After various regulations respecting meetings of council, committees, and members, it proceeded to state the annual election of a Medical Experimental Committee, and a Committee of Transaction. The former to meet occasionally, for the purpose of suggesting and trying experiments, with a view to throw additional light on the animal œconomy, and to discover the effects of medicines upon different animals, to be procured for that particular purpose; and this Committee, from time to time, were to make reports of their proceedings to the Council. The Committee of Transaction to be charged with the selection, compilation and arrangement of the matter for the _annual volume_ of transactions, and the preparation of a prefatory discourse. This annual volume was promised to each subscriber _gratis_, in page the eighth of their original Prospectus, dated 1791; but how _many_ volumes have _appeared_ in the _twelve years_ is not _publicly_ known.

Of the SCHOOL, there shall be a PROFESSOR of Veterinary Medicine, who is to continue superintendant of the whole. The Professor to be elected at a general meeting, and to have the sole arrangement and direction of the studies and occupations of the pupils of the school, of their matter and order, of the distribution of his lectures, of the number and nature of the subjects required for dissection. He shall likewise judge of the kind and quality of the forage to be used in the infirmary; of the regulation of the cattle therein, and of the remedies to be employed. The Professor to have a yearly income, or salary, to increase proportionally with the revenue of the College; but not to exceed a certain sum _per annum_. There shall be a Clerk to assist the Professor in keeping his books, and to follow his directions in entering and registering all the concerns of the school, infirmary, laboratory, and forge.

RULES respecting the PUPILS were these: Any person desirous of becoming a resident pupil, must be able to read and write well. The preference shall be given to such youths as shall have received the elements of a good education, and more especially to those who have some knowledge of surgery and pharmacy. Such candidate not being under the age of fifteen years, nor more than twenty-two, must apply to the Secretary, and deliver a paper, containing his name, age, and place of abode; and the Secretary shall refer the same to the next meeting of the Council or Permanent Committee. The resident pupils to be appointed by the Council, and to be taken as much as possible from different counties, for the better and more expeditious dissemination of the art. Each perpetual member (that is, a subscriber of not less than twenty guineas) to have the privilege of sending a pupil to attend a complete course of study. A library shall be annexed to the College, comprehending all such works as may contribute to enlarge and improve the veterinary science.

The studies for the pupils were divided into eight courses; after having regularly and diligently gone through all which practically, as well as theoretically, they were then to undergo a public examination in the theory and practice of every branch of the veterinary art; and those considered as perfectly qualified, were to receive a certificate, signed by the Professor, and confirmed by the Council. It was concluded at the publication of these original propositions, that the term for completing the education would not exceed three years, provided the pupils were equally capable, assiduous, and well-inclined. An INFIRMARY was to be opened for the reception of diseased animals belonging to the members of the College, at a fixed sum for their livery or subsistence, during the time they remained under cure. The annual subscription was originally not less than two guineas; and not less than twenty at one payment to become a perpetual member. These, however, may probably, amidst the many improvements made, have undergone various alterations.

It was at first supposed, from the great prospect of general utility, and universal accommodation, that the establishment would soon have been enabled to support itself upon the basis of public contribution and private subscriptions: this, however, did not prove to be the case; for in the month of April, 1795, precisely four years after its institution, a petition was presented to the House of Commons, praying pecuniary assistance for its support; which, from a consideration of its promised advantages, was soon unanimously complied with, and a large sum voted to its service. This was followed by an additional parliamentary grant of 1520_l._ in June 1797, since which it has also received farther national assistance. Whether the number of annual subscribers declining, or the aggregate not being adequate to the unavoidable expenditure of the establishment, and occasioned pecuniary deficiencies, it is not necessary to ascertain; evident it is, the establishment has been productive of one great and substantial service to the country, not more in respect to the general reformation and improvement of farriery, than in affording to the military cavalry scientific practitioners, of which they so very palpably stood in need.

Notwithstanding the advantages already resulting to the public at large, time alone can demonstrate what emoluments will be derived by the numerous individuals who were encouraged, by specious appearances, to embark in the undertaking: one thing seems at present incontrovertibly certain, that of those who have entered into the profession, the greater part did so with an intention (since confirmed) of becoming MASTERS immediately upon obtaining a certificate, and quitting the College; and hence it is we have a _veterinary surgeon_ in every street and lane of the Metropolis, with as great a scarcity of expert _journeymen_ as before the institution took place. Experience and attentive observation must have convinced every enlightened, humane, and liberal sportsman, that the shoeing-smith has a life of _labour_ and _drudgery_, for which he is the _least_ paid, and the _worst_ looked upon, of any tradesman in the numerous catalogue of those who have a subsistence to obtain by the sweat of the brow.

That the science of shoeing, and system of farriery, has seldom or ever been undertaken or practised in this kingdom, but by men of the lowest order, and without the advantage of education, must be candidly and clearly admitted; the reason must be equally striking, and can stand in little or no need of elucidation. Are there any attractions (as they are now paid or compensated) beyond drudgery, degradation, and impending indigence? Incessant labour during the early part of life, and inevitable _poverty_ in _old age_, have, for century upon century, been the hard-earned lot of _nineteen_ out of every _twenty_ shoeing-smiths from one extremity of the kingdom to the other. Can it be expected that those of much mental brilliancy, or manual dexterity, will prostitute both, and descend to so dangerous, so laborious, and so degrading an occupation, without even a chance of adequate compensation? These, it is to be presumed, are very fairly inferred reasons why the practice has always remained in a state of uncultivated sterility; from which even now it appears not to be permanently rescued; for, exclusive of the palpable inconveniencies, and discouraging prospects, already described, which, to a man of spirit and emulation, are sufficiently disgusting, when he adverts to the inferior rank he is in future destined to hold in the scale of society, he becomes conscious of his own insignificance; and, whatever education he may possess, or whatever knowledge he may have attained, he feels but little probability of being held in a degree of public estimation superior to the parochial _scavenger_ or _nightman_.

Whether the refinement of a college education may give a more sublime complexion of respectability to the practice, and divest it of the distinguished appellation of "_horse-doctor_," with its collateral indignities, time alone must ascertain; it becoming here applicable only to consider the state and condition of those who have hitherto _voluntarily_ placed their children to so laborious, so hazardous, and so unprofitable an employment. The _poor_ most probably feel equal parental affection with the RICH, and would consequently venture as far to prevent their offspring from embarking in a service of danger: thus, then, it evidently is, the eyes of the most indigent, and the most illiterate, are equally open, and require not to be told, that the trade is a trade of constant labour, some danger, and little profit: they, of course, reject it with contempt; and it has been very weakly supplied even from the confines of a cottage, or the walls of a workhouse. If there can possibly remain "a doubt to hang a loop upon," let a moment's reflection solve the question, whether it can with consistency be conceived, that any man, in moderate circumstances, who had given his son a tolerable education, and had merely a few hundreds to give him, at the hour of his own dissolution, would ever, for one hour, indulge the idea or intent of placing him to a _blacksmith_? According to the principles and facts already laid down, it is to be presumed, that a circumstance so truly paradoxical and heterogeneous, has not often occurred, and, from present appearances, is not likely to be often repeated.

It is certainly a matter of general good, "most devoutly to be wished," that the present exertions to promote an improvement in the veterinary science may be ultimately successful, and that it may also tend rapidly to remove the paltry stigma of disgrace hitherto annexed to the practice; but to do this, more _stimulative_ means must be attempted, than those already adopted, which have held out nothing but a _flattering glare_ of emulation, without the least prospect of additional reward. There needs no "ghost from the grave" to demonstrate an incontrovertible fact, that the _more_ the mind becomes expanded by the sublunary rays of intellectual refinement, the less it is disposed to encounter the subservience of drudgery, and the mortifying sensations of partial indifference and public contempt; from the influence of which impressive contemplation, it becomes conclusive, that very few, if any, who become proficients (at the College or elsewhere) in the study of PHYSIC, ANATOMY, and the peculiar property of medicine, will ever condescend to blend those qualifications so industriously acquired with the _act_ of _shoeing_, but consider themselves in a degree superior to the _leathern apron_, the _vulcanian sledge_, the massy _anvil_, and such inferior offices annexed to the operative department, as will, in all human probability, continue it in the same state of predestined subordination.

However repugnant it may prove to the wishes and laudable endeavours of those patriotic, opulent, and distinguished characters, the President, Vice-Presidents, and Directors, as well as the great body of original subscribers to the establishment and support of the Veterinary College; it now seems unequivocally to appear, that one mode must be ultimately adopted, to produce the so much-desired stamp of success. When the practice of the VETERINARY SURGEON (or equestrian physician) and _operative farrier_ (or _shoeing-smith_) become as distinct as the dignified diploma, and the pharmaceutic drudge; when the different pursuits necessary to the attainment of adequate scientific knowledge, are completed by the parties whose abilities are adapted to the departments they are intended to fill; and when both are much more amply rewarded than at present for their professional assistance; then, and _not till then_, will the practice become an object of sufficient attraction to men of genius, and intellectual capacity, capable of rendering its improvement matter of national utility; and general gratification to the inhabitants of a country where it has so long continued a subject of almost indelible disgrace.

VICE.—The imperfections so called in a horse, are the distinguishing traits of an innate bad temper, or a habit mischievously inclined: these are very different from the little airs of skittishness, and proofs of playful spirit, which are displayed by many horses, when brought from confinement to enjoy the comforts and healthy advantages of _air_ and _exercise_; or others who afford the same indications of pleasure during the ceremony of dressing in the stable. Horses naturally vicious and untractable, seldom keep that propensity long concealed; it generally begins to appear early, and in most cases, with colts, even before they are taken in hand to break. This tendency in some is soon obliterated by gentle treatment, and frequent attentions of tenderness; but with others it continues invincible, and occasionally shews itself during the whole period of their existence. Some are constantly disposed to _kick_ or _bite_ in the stable, who have no one imperfection without; on the contrary, others, who are most incorrigibly restive and unruly without, shall be incredibly calm and quiet within.

Opinions opposite to each other have always prevailed upon the treatment necessary and _proper_ with horses of this description. That authority must be enforced, fortitude exerted, patience persevered in, and submission obtained, are all positions too firmly admitted, and acquiesced in, to admit of contrariety; but experience has fully demonstrated, that great points are sometimes effected by the salutary interposition of equanimity and moderation, that never could be accomplished by the frequently destructive gusts of inconsiderate passion and unmanly violence. If a horse, disposed to be restive, is addicted to running backwards, the best and only remedy is to continue backing him (if there is room for the experiment) till he becomes completely averse to his own undertaking; or procuring a person to come suddenly upon him behind, during his retrograde motion, with a complete _flagellation_ from a cart or hunting _whip_, which seldom or ever fails to set such a one running from the _effect of fear_, and to produce a complete eradication.

Horses rearing up on end, so as to stand nearly perpendicular upon their hind legs, is the most dangerous of any description, even to the most judicious, expert, and experienced horseman; who has, in such aukward predicament, (particularly when a horse most viciously repeats it,) no alternative, but to slacken his reins, and lean his body close to the neck, the better to expedite so critical a preponderation. Horses inclined to run away, from an impetuosity of temper, and an eagerness to get forward, frequently alarm their riders, if they are exceedingly irritable upon the score of _timidity_, or terrified upon the principle of inexperience; but sportsmen mostly prefer horses who require the _curb_, to those who want _a spur_, well knowing the utility of moderately dropping the hand, and indulging the loose occasionally; as a _dead pull_ at a hard-mouthed run-away horse, is the sure means of making him endeavour to continue his career the longer.

VIPER, BITE OF.—See VENOMOUS BITES.

VISCIDITY OF THE BLOOD—is that state in which the blood is frequently known, when, by a collapsion of the pores, (from some of those causes which produce colds, coughs, and inflammatory diseases,) it acquires a preternatural consistence from the external repulsion of the perspirative matter, which, thrown upon the circulation, constitutes a _siziness_ of the _blood_: this, by its retention, becomes so viscid and adhesive, (or tough,) that, when it has been drawn off by bleeding, and set by two or three hours to cool, it is with difficulty separated upon the surface, even with the sharpest penknife. Horses having their blood in a state too _sizy_ and _viscid_ for the perfect purposes of secretion and health, soon display it in some way or other: a heaviness of the head, a dulness of the eyes, a lassitude of the body, a husky tendency to cough, a rough harshness in the coat, a swelling of the legs, or cracks in the heels, (particularly if it happens in the winter season,) are some of the indications by which it may be readily known, and should be speedily counteracted. Unloading the vessels, by twice bleeding, about ten days apart, attenuating the crassamentum of the blood by mild diuretics, and altering its property by a short course of alterative powders, will prove all that is necessary to promote and ensure condition.

VIVES—is a disorder so similar to the strangles, that the leading symptoms (at the commencement of the attack) are nearly the same; with this difference only, that in the _strangles_ the tumefactions are centrically situate in the concavity of the under jaw, just below the gullet; and in the _vives_, the swellings are seated at the roots of the ears, descending more or less towards the neck. These differ in different subjects, as in some they do not suppurate; but by warmth, and emollient unguents, applied twice or thrice a day, are absorbed into the circulation, and are then to be taken out of the habit by a gentle course of mercurial physic; but where the swelling and inflammation are evidently too great for repulsion and absorption, suppuration must be promoted by the means described, and the case treated as will be found under the head STRANGLES.

VIXEN.—A bitch fox, or a female cub, is so called.

VOLUNTEER—was a racer in high estimation, and has long been a stallion of much repute. He was bred by the late COLONEL O'KELLY, foaled in 1780; got by _Eclipse_, dam by _Tartar_; and is own brother to _Mercury_, _Venus_, _Jupiter_, _Adonis_, and _Queen Mab_. He is the sire of many capital racers, the most remarkable of which are the following. In 1791, _Portia_, (the Duke of Bedford's,) then three years old, won a sweepstakes of 100 guineas each, six subscribers; 250 guineas forfeit from five; both at Newmarket; the Oaks Stakes of 50 guineas each, thirty-eight subscribers, at Epsom; and 200 guineas at Newmarket. _Recruit_, three years old, won two fifties at Penrith. In 1792, five of his get appeared with increasing reputation. _Nerissa_, (Duke of Bedford's,) two years old, won 200 guineas at Newmarket. _Scanderbeg_, (Mr. Fox's,) only two years old, won 200 guineas, 130 guineas, 100 guineas, 75 guineas, 100 guineas, and 200 guineas, all at Newmarket. _Hop-planter_, three years old, won 50_l._ at Epsom, 50_l._ at Guildford, and 50_l._ at Stockbridge. _Recruit_ won 50_l._ at Stamford, 50_l._ at Grantham, 50_l._ at Worcester, 50_l._ at Penrith: and _Fetters_, (two years old,) 50 guineas at Newmarket.

In 1793 appeared _Cælia_, (Duke of Bedford's,) who at three years won the Filly Stakes of 300 guineas, 1500 guineas, 50_l._ and 50 guineas, at Newmarket; and the Oaks Stakes, of 50 guineas each, thirty-seven subscribers, at Epsom. _Nerissa_ won 400 guineas, 600 guineas, 250 guineas, and 100 guineas, at Newmarket. _Scanderbeg_ won 800 guineas, and 200 guineas, at Newmarket. _Hillisberg_ won 200 guineas at Newmarket. _Hop-planter_ won 90 guineas, 180 guineas, and 50_l._ at Canterbury. _Hybla_, 175 guineas at Litchfield. _Isaline_, 100 guineas; and _Brimstone_, 50_l._ both at Newmarket. In 1794, the brother to _Portia_, then two years old, won 135 guineas, 360 guineas, and the July Stakes of 490 guineas, at Newmarket. _Cockade_ won 100 guineas, and 100 guineas, at Newmarket. _Jessica_, 200 guineas at Ascot, and 50_l._ at Newmarket. _Cælia_, the Fortescue Stakes of 90 guineas at Newmarket. _Stirling_, 100 guineas at Ascot, and the Magna Charta Stakes at Egham.

The merits of _Volunteer_, as a stallion, now became so perceptible, that ten of his produce, in 1795, were repeatedly brought to the post: a three year old of Mr. G. Bowes's won 50 guineas, 50 guineas, and 50 guineas, at Newmarket. _Bonny Kate_, two years old, 100 guineas also. _Miller_, 25 guineas at Epsom, 50_l._ and 20 guineas at Lambourn. _Hop-planter_, 50_l._ at Newmarket, and the King's 100 guineas at Guildford. _Stirling_ won 50_l._ and the Jockey Club Plate, at Newmarket; 75 guineas at Epsom; and the King's Plate at Ipswich. A colt of Mr. O'Kelly's, 50_l._ at Epsom, and 50_l._ at Northampton. _Spread Eagle_, 450 guineas, and 500 guineas, at Newmarket; and the Derby Stakes of 50 guineas each, 45 subscribers, at Epsom.

In 1796, _Miss Whip_, at three years old, won 50_l._ at Ascot; 60 guineas, and 100 guineas, at Canterbury; 200 guineas, 100 guineas, and 100 guineas, at Newmarket. _Pepper-pot_, the same age, won 25 guineas, and 50 guineas, at Newmarket; 76_l._ 5_s._ 0_d._ at Nottingham; 125 guineas, and 200 guineas, at Litchfield. _Pleader_, 50_l._ at Preston, 50_l._ at York, 50_l._ at Richmond, and the cup at Northallerton. _Miller_, 50 guineas at Newmarket, 100 guineas, and 25 guineas, at Ascot, and 50_l._ at Enfield. _Hum_, 100 guineas at Lambourn, and 25 guineas at Wantage. _Spread Eagle_, 450 guineas at York. _Recruit_, 50 guineas, 50 guineas, and 40 guineas, at Newmarket: and _Stirling_, 400 guineas, and 400 guineas, at Newmarket, and the King's 100_l._ at Burford.

In 1797, a three year old of Lord Sackville's won 50 guineas, 50 guineas, and 50 guineas, at Newmarket, and 40 guineas at Lewes. _Miss Whip_, 100 guineas at Newmarket, 50_l._ at Ayr, and two 50's at Dumfries. _Stirling_, 300 guineas, 500 guineas, and 400 guineas; and _Pepper-pot_, the Claret Stakes of 600 guineas, at Newmarket.

In 1798, _Commodore_ won 50_l._ and 50 guineas, at Newmarket. _Ironsides_, 50_l._ and 100 guineas, at Haverfordwest. _Magic_, (Lord Sackville's,) the Petworth Stakes of 170 guineas at Brighton, (beating _Wrangler_, _Johnny_, _Bennington_, _Montezuma_, and _Play or Pay_;) 120 guineas at Lewes; the King's Plate and 50_l._ at Canterbury. _Split Pigeon_, 800 guineas; and _Spread Eagle_, the King's 100 guineas; both at Newmarket.

In 1799, a three year old bay colt of Sir F. Standish's won 85 guineas, 400 guineas, and 1800 guineas, at Newmarket. _Split Pigeon_, 50_l._ at Winchester, 50_l._ at Blandford, and 50_l._ at Taunton. _Rosalind_, 50_l._ and 100 guineas, at Dumfries. _Magic_, 240 guineas at Litchfield, and 50_l._ at Leicester. _Jemmy_, 50_l._ at Ascot, and 30 guineas at Abingdon. _Commodore_ and _Provisional_, each 50 guineas at Newmarket.

In 1800, _Brighton_ won 50_l._ at Lambourn. _Eagle_, 400 guineas at York. _Rosalind_, 1500 guineas, and 300 guineas, at Ayr. _Triumvir_, 300 guineas, and 250 guineas, at Newmarket: and _Volonté_, the bowl at Salisbury.

In 1801, the brother to _Recruit_ won 40 guineas at Epsom; 50 guineas, and 20 guineas, at Newmarket. _Brighton_, 50_l._ at Winchester, 50_l._ at Blandford, and 50_l._ at Reading. _Eagle_, the Craven Stakes of 110 guineas, and 200 guineas, at Newmarket. _Gaoler_, 120 guineas at Stamford, and 50 guineas at Newmarket: and _Triumvir_, 110 guineas at Canterbury; 15 guineas, and 25 guineas, at Newmarket.

In 1802, _Brighton_ won 50_l._ and 25 guineas, at Ascot. _Conscript_, 50_l._ at Ayr. _Eagle_, 150 guineas, at Newmarket. _Fusileer_, 50_l._ at Kingscote; and _Gaoler_, 600 guineas, 100 guineas, 100 guineas, and 42½ guineas, at Newmarket.

_Volunteer_, though now twenty-three years old, is in good health, and covers at Cannons, near Edgware, in Middlesex, at 10 guineas the mare, and half a guinea the groom.

VOMITING—is often a favourable relief to the human frame, which advantage the horse does not posses, in consequence of the peculiar construction of the gullet. It therefore becomes a matter of serious consideration, how far it may be proper or prudent to administer to a horse, medicines whose properties tend to excite a stimulus, and induce the stomach to a regurgitation by vomit; an operation which it is impossible can take place. See _Tartar Emetic_.

U.

ULCER.—An ulcer is a wound, which, from long standing, and injudicious treatment, is become virulent and inveterate; having acquired a rigid callosity at the edges, and a discoloured, foul, unhealthy slough in the middle. These conjunctive appearances never submit to mere superficial digestive applications, but must be subdued by superficial scarification, and the milder class of corrosives and escharotics.

UNGUENTS—are ointments, of which there are many different kinds. Blistering ointment, for lameness in the back sinews, splents, spavins, and curbs. Digestive ointment, strong and mild, for dressing wounds in their different stages, and after maturation. Elder ointment, to allay the pain of inflammatory swellings, particularly when proceeding from the stings or bites of animals or venomous insects: and camphorated sperma-cæti ointment, for cracks in the heels of horses during the severity of the winter season.

UMBLES—are the eatable part of a deer's entrails, which being a perquisite of office, afford a treat to the keeper and his friends.

URINE—is that well known excrementitious fluid secreted or separated by the kidnies from the blood; the evacuation of which is sometimes partially obstructed, or totally suppressed, by different injuries sustained, or diseases particularly affecting the kidnies, the bladder, or some of the parts appropriated to the secretion and discharge of urine. Internal inflammation, or a paralytic affection of the kidnies, as well as external violence there; spasmodic stricture upon the neck or sphincter of the bladder; calculous concretions, originating in the kidnies, and afterwards descending the ureters, occasions sometimes a most painful suppression of urine: having obtained a seat in the bladder, they then lay the foundation of stone; and many well-authenticated instances are extant, where stones of considerable weight have been extracted from the bladders of different horses after their death.

Horses, on the contrary, from a debility of the parts, or some remote causes, are subject to an immoderate and involuntary flux of urine, and that almost incessantly; so that, from a latent flaccidity, it seems to come away immediately after its secretion. This preternatural discharge may probably be sometimes occasioned by a sharp, ferous and acrimonious state of the blood; in young horses, the being too severely and unreasonably overworked; a weakness of the loins and kidnies, brought on by drawing weights disproportioned to the strength of the horse; standing long in the cold and chilling rains of winter; or, what produces it still more frequently, is the eating of ship oats, which have been long upon their passage, and imbibed a portion of saline particles, and effluvia, from the sea. In all cases of the former description, recourse must be had to medical assistance; but in the latter, nutritive food, gelatinous clean-boiled oatmeal gruel, with two or three ounces of gum Arabic dissolved in water, and mixed with the gruel for drink, will, in all slight and recent cases, be productive of a speedy restoration.

W.

WALK—is the slowest of a horse's natural paces, upon the safety, excellence and ease of which, much of his worth depends. Good walkers are always in request, and will (if gentle and good tempered) never fail of finding purchasers, even among the _aged_ and _infirm_. There are numbers to be seen daily, who are admirable goers in the _fast_ paces, that cannot _walk at all_; but instances are very rare, of a horse who is a good walker, not having a gift of his other paces in proportion.

WALNUT,—the name of a horse of much racing reputation. He was bred by the present DUKE of HAMILTON, foaled in 1786; got by _Highflyer_, out of _Maiden_, (who was got by _Matchem_,) own sister to _Pumpkin_. In 1790, then four years old, _Walnut_ started at York, and won a subscription of 25 guineas each, seven subscribers. The same week he won the great subscription of 295_l._ beating those excellent runners, _Telescope_, _Enchanter_, _Toby_, _Tickle Toby_, and _Camilla_. At Doncaster he walked over for the Doncaster Stakes of 10 guineas each, six subscribers, with 20 guineas added by the Corporation; and the next day won the 100_l._ plate, beating _Harold_ and _Telescope_. In 1791, he again won the great subscription at York, beating the Prince of Wales's _Creeper_, and _Telescope_. At Doncaster he again won the Doncaster Stakes of 10 guineas each, with 20 guineas added by the Corporation.

The first of his produce, as a stallion, appeared in 1798. A bay filly (Duke of Hamilton's) won 200 guineas at Doncaster: and a bay colt (Mr. Peirse's) 200 guineas at York, and 80 guineas at Malton. In 1799, seven of his get started, who were the winners of ten plates, matches, and stakes. In 1800, nine appeared, and were the winners of sixteen prizes. In 1801, twelve started, and won twenty-five plates, matches, and sweepstakes, of which Lord Strathmore's colt won seven; _Lignum Vitæ_, five; _Jack's Alive_, three; and _Richmond_, two. In 1802, the Duke of Hamilton's bay filly won two sweepstakes at Ayr; 80 guineas, 50_l._ and 20 guineas, at Hamilton. Lord Strathmore's bay horse, two fifties at Chester, and the King's Plate at Newcastle. _Risby_, 150 guineas at Catterick, and 86_l._ 15_s._ 0_d._ at Morpeth; and _Lignum Vitæ_ won the first class of the Oatlands Stakes, 450 guineas, 50_l._ and the King's Plate, at Newmarket; 120 guineas at Newton; 70 guineas at Stamford; 220 guineas, and the King's Plate, at Litchfield.

WARBLE—is a small hard tumour, produced upon the side or the back of a horse, by the heat and friction of an ill-fitted saddle. It is sometimes occasioned by the pad of the saddle's becoming exceedingly hard, and inelastic, from its long and constant absorption of perspirative matter; to prevent which, the pads of saddles should be occasionally inspected, beat with a stick, and the stuffing restored to its elasticity, by the use of a proper awl, or point of a packing-needle. Upon their first appearance, if they are attended to before the injury is repeated, they never fail of submitting to a plentiful bathing of hot vinegar, followed by a gentle friction with camphorated spirits, if twice or thrice repeated; but if they are neglected in the first instance, and the same saddle (or harness) persevered in without alteration, the surface will become an eschar, and ultimately a _sitfast_, (which see,) and then can only be removed by instrumental extirpation.

WARRANTY—is the personal assurance the purchaser of a horse receives from the seller, at the moment of terminating the bargain, if such purchase absolutely takes place, that the horse in question is _no more_ than a certain number of years old, (as the case may be;) that he is perfectly free from every kind of _vice_, _blemish_, and _defect_; that he is completely sound, "_wind_ and _limb_"; or, in other words, that he is in a state of perfection. Much professional jargon has transpired during the last half of a century in the courts of legal litigation upon this subject: and a great law authority who presided once (rather inadvertently, it is supposed) presumed to declare in open court, "that paying 20_l._ for a horse, was a price sufficient to have the SOUNDNESS implied by the _sum paid_, and that he should consider the _warranty_ to extend to full _three months_ from the day of purchase." Whether this assertion was merely a lapse of the tongue, or a temporary deviation from sagacity and discretion, is not now worthy disquisition; as it must certainly be admitted to have been one of the most absurd, unequitable and ridiculous opinions ever promulgated in a court of judicial investigation.

In confirmation of which, let it be supposed, that a horse is sold by either gentleman or dealer, known and declared to be _bona fide_ sound at the moment of transfer, and absolutely never to have been otherways; in equity, and in justice, what can the late owner of such horse have to do with his state of futurity? Is not a horse of this description, though _sound_ and _perfect_, as likely to become _diseased_, to fall _lame_, or even to _die_, on that, or the following day, as at any other period of his life? Where then can be found the consistency, the equity, or, indeed, the common honesty, of requiring or expecting any man to warrant for _weeks_, or _months_, what it is not within his power to insure for a _single hour_? The equitable intent of a _warranty_, between persons of mutual good intent and integrity, cannot be reasonably expected to go beyond the hour of _purchase_ and _sale_; for as neither can explore, with certainty, the abstruse pages of the great volume of time yet to come, there cannot be the least plea for a retrospective compensation. See "LAW SUITS," and "SOUNDNESS."

WARREN,—the name applied to a privileged place, by prescription or grant from the King, in which to keep beasts or fowls of WARREN. These in ancient records were said to be the _hare_, the _coney_, the _pheasant_, and the _partridge_; but the word now principally applies to any particular district, or tract of land, set aside entirely for, and appropriated to, the breeding and preservation of rabbits as private property. These become a most valuable and profitable stock; paying a much greater annual rent than can be expected from a light and sandy soil, under any other mode of cultivation. There is a distinction between a WARREN and FREE WARREN, (which see.) The franchise next in degree to a park, is a free warren, and appertains chiefly to the privilege of killing game within its boundaries. A warren, in its general signification, extends no farther than a peculiar spot, of much magnitude for the infinitely numerous production of conies, with which the neighbouring inhabitants, and the markets of the Metropolis, are supplied; and these invariably pass under the denomination of rabbit warrens.

WARTER—is the name of a horse of much celebrity, whose performances upon the turf rendered him of constantly increasing value, and insured him a succession of different owners. He was bred by Mr. G. Crompton, foaled in 1794; got by _King Fergus_, dam by _Highflyer_. In the York spring meeting, when three years old, he won a sweepstakes of 20 guineas, six subscribers, beating _Dapple_, and _Telegraph_. At Doncaster, in September, he won the following extraordinary race, well worthy a place in the cabinet of every sportsman in the kingdom.

Thursday, September 28th, 1797. One hundred pounds in specie for three year olds, 7st. 5lb. and four year olds, 8st. 7lb. Maiden colts allowed 2lb. Maiden fillies allowed 3lb. The winner of any subscription or sweepstakes carrying 4lb. extra. Two mile heats.

Heats.

Mr. G. Crompton's b. c. _Warter_, 5 0 5 1 0 1. Sir C. Turner's ch. c. _Pepper-Pot_, 3 0 1 5 0 2. Sir F. Standish's br. c. _Stamford_, 1 3 6 2 _Dr._ Mr. Wentworth's b. c. _Cardinal_, 2 5 2 3. Lord H. Hamilton's b. c. by _Trumpator_, 7 4 4 4. Mr. T. Hutchinson's _Hipswell_, 6 6 3 _Dr._ Mr. Sitwell's ch. c. _Commodore_, 4 _Dr._

The odds at starting were 5 to 2 against _Stamford_, 3 to 1 against _Cardinal_, and 5 to 1 against _Warter_: during the different heats, and at the termination of each, the bettings varied exceedingly.

In 1798 he won 50_l._ at Preston, beating three others. Two days after, at the same place, he won 50_l._ at four heats, beating the famous _Patriot_ (by _Rockingham_) and another; and 50_l._ at Doncaster. In 1799, then Mr. Heathcoate's, he won the main of the Oatlands, 100 guineas each, beating _Oscar_, and the then celebrated _Diamond_; and 50 guineas at Newmarket; the gold cup at Stamford; 50_l._ at Oxford; and the King's Plates at Burford and Litchfield. In 1800 he won 250 guineas, and 100 guineas, at Newmarket. In 1801, first Spring Meeting, he beat _Jack Andrews_ three miles over the Beacon Course for 200 guineas each. The same year, when Lord Sackville's, he won the King's Plate at Guildford; the same at Winchester; and 200 guineas at Brighton. In 1802, in the Craven Meeting at Newmarket, he won a sweepstakes of 100 guineas each, beating _Cockfighter_ and _Hippona_. At Bibury, a sweepstakes of 25 guineas each, seven subscribers; and is since withdrawn from the turf, and announced as a stallion at Cottesmore, in the county of Rutland, at three guineas a mare, and half a guinea the groom.

WARTS—are spongy excrescences, sometimes appearing upon different parts of the body, and in great numbers: they are exceedingly difficult of instrumental extirpation; for, from their being critically seated, profuse bleeding might probably follow. This mode of operation becomes the less necessary, because a moistening of the surface once in three days, with butter of Antimony, will effect certain obliteration, without the least inconvenience, even upon the eye-lids, which are of equal or superior irritability with any other part of the body.

WASP.—See "VENOMOUS BITES."

WATERING.—Upon the proper and confident mode of watering a horse, his health in some degree (but more particularly his condition) principally depends. During a journey in the summer, as well as in a stable in the winter, some attention is necessary to both the _quality_ and _quantity_ of water a horse is permitted to indulge in. There are fixed rules with systematic sportsmen, from which there is never the slighted deviation, but when circumstances may compulsively occasion a temporary variation: the most important of these are, never to let a horse drink _cold_ water when he is _hot_; or to give him _pump_ or _well_ water, when river or rain water can be obtained. The difference of effect between the two may (particularly in the winter months) be immediately observed by those who chuse to make the experiment: hard spring water is frequently known, from its chilling frigidity, to occasion severe and dangerous fits of the cholic; and when it has not that effect, it never fails to check the circulation; producing such an instantaneous collapsion of the pores, that the coat, though fine a few minutes before, becomes as rough and staring, as if the horse had been exposed to the inclemency of the winter season. Horses kept for the sports of the field, and in a state of condition superior to those employed on more common occasions, are usually watered with a pail in the stable; but this should never be done till hay has been previously placed in the rack; and the act of watering should be instantly followed by the usual ceremony of substantial dressing, wisping, and brushing over, to prevent either of the two inconveniencies before described. The old and ridiculous custom of taking a horse to a pond, that he may have a gallop "to _warm_ the _water_ in his belly," seems to be nearly abolished with the more enlightened part of the world; and although the practice is persevered in upon the turf, it is to be observed, that those horses are restricted in quantity; and that they are walked for some time after drinking, previous to what is termed their watering gallop.

WATTLES—are the gills hanging from below the under beak of a cock: these are taken from _a stag_ (young game cock) at the same time with his comb, so soon as they are sufficiently grown for the operation, which is performed before they are turned down to a master walk. The little finger is insinuated into the throat of the cock, when which is properly distended, the wattles are cut off close all round with the scissars; and, lastly, the comb; the whole being slightly washed with a little weak salt and water.

WAXY—is a horse of recent reputation upon the turf, whose performances promise to render him a stallion high in estimation. He was bred by Sir F. Poole; foaled in 1790; got by _Pot8o's_ out of _Maria_, a daughter of _Herod_. In 1793, when three years old, he won the Derby Stakes (at Epsom) of 50 guineas each, _half forfeit_, (50 subscribers,) beating twelve; the remainder paying forfeit. The odds _twelve_ to _one_ against him at starting. At Lewes he won a sweepstakes of 10 guineas each, (nine subscribers,) carrying 7lb. extra. At Abingdon he won a sweepstakes of 10 guineas each, 5 subscribers. In 1794, he won the Jockey Club Plate at Newmarket; the King's 100 guineas at Ipswich; a 50_l._ plate, and 60 guineas, at Lewes. In 1795, the King's Plate at Salisbury. In 1796, the King's Plate at Guildford; a subscription of 10 guineas each, (13 subscribers,) at Lewes; and the King's Plate at Salisbury. In 1797, he broke down in running for the gold cup at Oxford. The following season he was announced as a stallion at 10 guineas a mare, and half a guinea the groom, at Lewes, in Sussex. Two of his produce, each three years old, were brought to the Post last year, 1802; one called _Miss Newland_, who won two 50_l._ plates at Canterbury; and _Shock_, who won 100 guineas at Brighton, and 50 guineas at Newmarket.

WEANING—is the act of separating a colt or filly from its dam, that it may no longer derive support from _suction_, but be compelled to collect its own subsistence from such proper articles of aliment as present themselves according to the season of the year, at which such weaning may be found convenient to take place. This must always become dependent upon circumstances, in respect to the kind of country in which the colt is produced, as well as the purpose for which he is bred, and the late or early part of the season in which he was foaled. A foal produced at the latter end of April, or the beginning of May, will better bear weaning in the early part of October, than a foal dropt in June will in two months after; and this is readily accounted for by the great length of summer the former enjoys in respect to growth, strength, and expansion, over the latter. Where the foal, from having fallen late in the year, or any other cause, is observed to be weak in body and constitution, or stinted in growth, great advantage may be obtained by letting him run in an unrestrained state with the dam during the remainder of the winter.

It is in general the custom, particularly with colts and fillies bred for the turf, to wean the latter end of September, or during the month of October; the reason of which is, that as the dam is then again in a state of gestation, it is by no means proper, nor can it be consistent, that a subsistence for the colt should be extracted from the dam, which nature requires to be absorbed for the nutritious support of the fœtus in embryo. At whatever time weaning may be determined on, the transition from one food to another so exceedingly opposite, should not be too suddenly made; the salutary interposition of mashes, made from ground malt and bran, equal parts, and thin in consistence, from which the fluid may be sucked, will prove a pleasing and consolatory assistance for the loss the foal has sustained.

WEASEL.—The weasel, though little seen in the environs of towns, is an animal very well known in most parts of the country: it varies in no great degree from the _stoat_, either in shape, make, or propensity. Its favourite alimentary enjoyment seems the destruction of eggs by suction; although it pursues and destroys poultry and game with equal avidity. By some instinctive impulse of scent or sagacity, the weasel is enabled to follow a hare, which it pursues with a kind of energetic phrensy; and whenever the hare unsuspectingly squats, if this inveterate enemy happens to get up, it immediately makes a spring, seizes the hare near the poll, and never quits its hold till the animal (though running in a state of distraction, and with the most piteous cries) is deprived of existence. The weasel may justly rank in the list of _venomous_ animals, for its bite is almost universally fatal: a hare, rabbit, or any other object, bit by the weasel, is never known to recover, but continues in a lingering state till death.

In its pursuits, it has several points much in its favour: its activity, and the peculiar formation of its claws, enable it to scale walls with so much ease, that no spot is secure from its depredations. By way of compensation to the farmer for its luxurious repasts upon eggs and young poultry, it makes some amends by its inveteracy to rats and mice; having a spice of the ferret in its nature, it is to those an inveterate enemy, and pursues them with a most implacable hatred to certain destruction. It is a more successful invader than any other to these smaller animals, as, from its diminutive circumference, it can follow them into their inmost recesses, and destroy with very little _ineffectual_ opposition. To young pigeons it is likewise a destructive depredator; and when it has young, is more bold and indefatigable in its researches. In the dusk of the evening, and by moonlight, it may frequently be seen stealing from its lurking place, under faggot piles or corn ricks, near the farm-house, taking the barns, stables, pig-sties, and poultry-house, in search of prey; which, when they have killed, if not too large, they carry or drag to the place of their retreat. In the summer season, the weasel will venture a great distance from its usual haunts, and the spot which has afforded it winter protection; it is then very frequently found by the sides of rivulets; and is particularly fond of a situation near a mill, and that is concluded to be from the plenty of rats with which they are invariably surrounded.